keeping was of a higher type than the red-cheeked, bright-eyed damsel
whom so many admired.

'An' when hae ye been oot, micht I ask?' inquired Liz calmly. 'Ye're a
jimpy-looking thing.'

'Not since Sunday.'

'Sunday! Mercy me! an' this is Friday. She'll sune be in her grave, Mr.
Graham. Folk maun hae fresh air. What way d'ye no' set her oot every
day?'

'She is welcome to go if she likes, miss. I don't keep her in,' answered
the old man tartly.

'Maybe no', but likely she has that muckle adae she canna get,' replied
Liz fearlessly. 'It's a fine nicht--suppose ye tak' a walk wi' me? The
shops is no' shut yet.'

'Shall I go, uncle?' asked Gladys.

'If ye want, certainly; but come in in time of night. Don't be later
than nine.'

'Very well,' answered Gladys, and retired into her own room to make
ready for her walk.

Then Liz, turning round squarely on her seat, fixed the old man
fearlessly with her eyes, and gave him a piece of her mind.